SSL certificates, also known as the “s” in https://, ensure that data transmitted between them remains private and secure. These small data files do this by connecting a cryptographic key to the site owner’s data and establishing an encrypted link between the web server and the browser. There are several types of SSL certificates, which you can purchase from your web hosting provider or a third-party service, depending on your site’s needs.
To ensure that you have all the information you need to make the right choice when hosting or creating a website, we have put together a selection of the best SSL certificate providers available, with a description of their offerings, key features, and pricing.
Table of Contents
Best SSL Certificate Providers
- 1. Wix
- 2. DigiCert
- 3. Sectigo
- 4. GeoTrust
- 5. Entrust
- 6. Thawte
- 7. SSL.com
- 8. Network Solutions
- 9. GoDaddy
- 10. GlobalSign
1. Wix
Key features:
Wix offers a comprehensive website security solution for businesses in a wide variety of industries. And for any individual or company with a website, a basic understanding of cybersecurity is essential to protect against attacks. In addition to its leading drag-and-drop website creation platform, the company provides users with a wide range of tools to optimize their site, such as free web hosting, advanced SEO features, and domain name registration.
When it comes to web security, building a website with Wix means that your site will automatically be equipped with one of the best free SSL Certificates on the market. This allows you to make sure that the visitor’s data is safe at all times without having to worry about renewal times or additional fees. In addition, receiving a free SSL certificate has a direct impact on the final cost of the website, reducing it to a minimum. Prevention, detection, and response are the cornerstones of Wix security.
At Wix, we take our commitment to protecting our users’ websites and their data very seriously. To learn more about how we do this, visit our Privacy and Security Hub.
Price: Free.
2. DigiCert
Key features:
After acquiring Norton and Symantec’s website security solutions in 2017, DigiCert has become the go-to SSL certificate provider for Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. The company’s offerings range from standard products, such as OV and EV SSL certificate variants, to advanced solutions, such as its post-quantum cryptography security model.
In addition to being a leading provider in this field, DigiCert is directly involved in the development of new SSL technologies. The company is a founding member of the CA/Browser Forum, an industry body of certificate authorities and web browsers, with the goal of improving the way certificates are used to benefit Internet users and keep their communications secure.
Price: Starting at $207/year.
3. Sectigo
Key features:
Formerly known as Comodo CA, Sectigo is one of the most affordable SSL certificate providers among the top names in the industry. In recent years, their aggressive pricing has allowed them to rapidly increase their market share and earn a place among the most trusted vendors.
Sectigo offers all common types of SSL certificates, including single and multi-domain, as well as a wildcard with domain or organization validation. In addition, Extended Validation (EV) certificates are available in single and multi-domain options.
Price: Starting at $79/year.
4. GeoTrust
Key features:
Formerly owned by VeriSign and Norton, GeoTrust now operates as a subsidiary of DigiCert. Users can purchase a wide variety of SSL certificates and related products, including single domain, wildcard, and extended validation certificates.
GeoTrust offers significant discounts on the purchase of a large number of licenses, making it one of the best SSL certificate providers for large enterprises and resellers. In addition, the company provides customized solutions for enterprises in the categories of government organizations, financial institutions, and healthcare companies.
Price: Starting at $149/year.
5. Entrust
Key features:
Formerly known as Entrust Datacard, Entrust has been providing security solutions since the early days of the World Wide Web. With a wide range of products in various sectors, SSL certificates are considered the brand’s strongest offering.
Entrust offers organization validation and extended validation certificates to its business audience; the former is available in single and multi-domain variants, as well as wildcard SSL. These certificates can be installed on an unlimited number of servers at no additional cost and reissued during their lifetime with no replacement costs.
Price: Starting at $199 /year.
6. Thawte
Key features:
With more than 40% of the global market, Thawte is one of the best SSL certificate providers in the industry. Following a series of acquisitions that culminated in 2017, the brand is now owned by DigiCert. While its parent company focuses on large enterprise-level customers, Thawte’s solutions cater primarily to medium and small businesses.
Its offering is divided into three products with varying degrees of customer assurance and warranty coverage. Each can be purchased as a multi-year plan for up to six years, as well as combined with a wildcard SSL certificate for an additional cost. Thawte issues most certificates in less than three days, and basic plans take just minutes to set up.
Price: Starting at $149/year.
7. SSL.com
Key features:
As the name suggests, SSL.com focuses entirely on the sale and deployment of SSL certificates. The company is a world-class certificate authority, and its comprehensive offering includes trusted, wildcard, unified communication, subject alternative name, and extended validation SSL certificates.
In order to appeal to a wide range of customers, SSL.com offers tiered certificates tailored to the needs of organizations of all levels and sizes, from small businesses with basic SSL requirements to large enterprises seeking licenses for multiple domains and subdomains.
Price: Starting at $36.75/year.
8. Network Solutions
Key features:
Founded in 1979, Networks Solutions is one of the best-known names in the digital services industry. While their role as an SSL certificate provider has not yet become a defining part of the brand, the low entry price of their offering has put them on the map as a worthy option for small and medium-sized businesses.
The company’s offer includes multi-year domain, organization, extended, and multi-domain SSL certificates, as well as wildcard and extended certificates. It is important to note that the base price of the various packages does not include the fast validation time, which means that the process can take up to five working days.
Price: Starting at $59.99/year with 2-year term.
9. GoDaddy
Key features:
Known worldwide as a domain registrar, GoDaddy provides SSL certificates as part of its web security offering. The pricing structure is based on single and multi-site for domain, organization, and extended domain validation, as well as wildcard SSL for unlimited subdomains with domain or organization validation.
One product that sets GoDaddy apart from most of the platforms on the list is its managed SSL service, targeted at users of its hosting platform. This service is available under the same pricing structure mentioned above and includes automated installation and ongoing maintenance.
.Price: Starting at $79.99/year
10. GlobalSign
Key features:
GlobalSign is widely regarded as one of the best SSL certificate providers for enterprise-level organizations. The company has been a WebTrust-accredited certificate authority since 2001 and has established itself as a trusted entity for secure connection and transaction services.
Its offer includes the three main types of SSL certificates, all of which support wildcards and up to 100 alternative subject names. In addition, the company offers certificates with elliptic curve cryptography that promise higher security and better performance.
.Price: Starting at $249/year
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSL certificate provider is crucial for ensuring the privacy and security of your website’s data. The list of top SSL certificate providers we have compiled offers a range of options to cater to various needs and budgets. From industry leaders like Wix, DigiCert, and Sectigo to established names like GeoTrust, Entrust, and Thawte, these providers offer reliable SSL certificates with different features and pricing plans.
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, you can find a suitable provider to protect your website and build trust with your visitors. Remember, investing in a high-quality SSL certificate is an investment in the long-term success and reputation of your online presence.
FAQs
How does an SSL certificate work?
The SSL certificate works through a process known as encryption. When a user accesses an SSL-enabled website, their browser and the web server initiate a secure connection. The server presents its SSL certificate to the browser, which contains a public key. The browser uses this key to encrypt any data that it sends to the server.
The encrypted data can only be decrypted by the server using its private key, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the information. This encryption process protects sensitive data, such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal information, from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission.
Can I get an SSL certificate for free?
Yes, it is possible to obtain an SSL certificate for free. Certificate Authorities (CAs) such as Let’s Encrypt offer free SSL certificates. Let’s Encrypt is a non-profit CA that aims to secure the web by providing free SSL certificates. These certificates are valid and recognized by most browsers.
Additionally, some web hosting providers, like Wix, offer free SSL certificates as part of their services. However, it’s important to note that free SSL certificates often have certain limitations, such as a shorter validity period or limited support. For websites with higher security requirements or specific needs, paid SSL certificates may be more appropriate.
What types of SSL certificates are available?
There are several types of SSL certificates available to cater to different security needs and levels of validation. The main types include:
- Domain Validated (DV) certificates: These certificates verify domain ownership, ensuring that the website is legitimately controlled by the certificate applicant. DV certificates are typically issued quickly and are suitable for basic encryption needs.
- Organization Validated (OV) certificates: In addition to verifying domain ownership, OV certificates also validate the organization’s details, such as its legal existence and physical location. These certificates provide higher assurance to visitors about the website’s authenticity and are commonly used by businesses.
- Extended Validation (EV) certificates: EV certificates offer the highest level of validation and are recognized by the green address bar displayed in most browsers. To obtain an EV certificate, the CA conducts a thorough verification process, confirming the legal identity and physical existence of the organization. EV certificates are ideal for e-commerce sites, financial institutions, or any website that requires the utmost trust and security.
How do I choose the right SSL certificate for my website?
When choosing an SSL certificate, several factors should be considered to ensure it aligns with your website’s needs. These factors include:
- Level of validation: Determine the level of validation required based on your website’s purpose and the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors.
- Number of domains/subdomains: Consider whether you need a certificate to secure multiple domains or subdomains. If so, a Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL certificate might be suitable.
- Warranty coverage: Check the warranty offered by the certificate provider, which provides financial protection in the event of a security breach.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the SSL certificate is compatible with your web server and the browsers your visitors are using.
- Support and reputation: Evaluate the support provided by the certificate provider and consider their reputation and reliability in the industry.
By assessing these factors, you can choose an SSL certificate that best suits your website’s requirements and provides the necessary security and trust for your visitors.
Can I use one SSL certificate for multiple domains?
Yes, it is possible to use a single SSL certificate to secure multiple domains or subdomains. This is achieved using a Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL certificate. SAN certificates allow you to secure multiple domain names or subdomains with a single certificate.
This is particularly useful if you have multiple related websites or subdomains that need to be secured. SAN certificates provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness by consolidating the management and renewal of certificates for multiple domains/subdomains into a single certificate.
Mike DaVinci Hightechblogging.com
Mike DaVinci is a skilled content writer with a talent for storytelling. He specializes in creating captivating narratives that engage readers and leave them feeling inspired. His writing has been featured in various publications, including magazines, blogs, and business websites. Mike’s particular interest in human interest stories allows him to uncover the heart of any story and convey it to his readers in an emotional and authentic way. He believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with people and inspiring positive change in the world.
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